Relevant interprofessional knowledge of the (general/abdominal) surgeon-Information security and data protection in everyday clinical practice

Aim and Method Short narrative overview based on regulations by law, individual experiences from daily practice and selected references from current literature. Results (selective corner points) Information security and data protection are mandatory and indispensable elements by law of general, professional and social actions, which can be also considered substantial parts of quality management. Therefore, (general/abdominal) surgeon underlies it too. Information security It comprises the protection of information of each type and origin - it serves the warranty of the basic aims such as confidentiality, integrity, availability and authenticity of information, which supports both aims of a clinician, patient safety and treatment effectiveness. Data protection It is considered a basic right to protect personal data against abusive processing - however, data security is not the primary aim, but rather the right for informational self-determination. IT emergency management It implies that in case of an IT emergency (released by a persisting system failure or cyberattack), logistic operations are transferred into previously defined emergency procedures well organized and possibly with no interruption - digital logistic operations become suddenly complete analogous processes, with exclusive responsibility of the single institutes and departments. Conclusion Both sides benefit equally from a regular bilateral exchange between the surgeon and the information security and data protection officer and are able to ensure the common goals of patient safety and treatment effectiveness through a proportionate integration of information security and data protection into everyday clinical practice.